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What Chris Gilchrist of Growquest did for me: I can't thank him enough. I had about 50 avocado trees and was not pleased with the look/health of the trees or their production. After an extensive search I was recommended Chris. His overall knowledge of horticulture and avocados in particular was immediately apparent. He took soils and water samples and analyzed the leaves. He made comments on our irrigation system, suggested painting branches white for sun-burn protection and even sprayed the trees during a heat wave to protect them. I ended up replacing about 10 "problem" trees and purchasing about 25 new ones from Chris. His avocado knowledge was staggering. We discussed the existing trees that were producing and what additions he thought would work well in our environment. He searched and found types of trees I never knew existed. He would search back/hidden areas of other growers and my typical Haas/Fuerte etc. "normal" types went from 5 varieties to 11. After analyzing the soil and water he recommended, purchased and helped begin the new/proper fertilization program. The bottom line is that my older trees and my new trees are all flourishing. New health, growth and fruit is apparent.
Chris's knowledge doesn't end with avocados. He commented on my overall landscaping. His knowledge of oak trees was amazing - I realized I was overwatering under the oaks because of the wrong plants. With his suggestions several large areas have been redone with low-water, adaptable plants under the ancient oaks.
Then I purchased several citrus trees and he analyzed the condition of the existing trees making the appropriate recommendations.
Next I purchased raspberries, blackberries and blueberries. These are all flourishing.
I thought I knew a bit about plants but I quickly learned that I was the pupil and he was the teacher.
Chris transformed my landscaping and I can't thank him enough. I have referred him to several other clients and they are all incredibly pleased.
You can't go wrong with Chris Gilchrist - he is the doctor.
Our experience with Growquest Growers was excellent. Not only did our order for 1500 lady bugs arrive in less than two days, we were able to keep the happy lady bugs in their bag in the fridge for a week without any problems. Chris went out of his way to help our daughter learn about the nature and care of lady bugs for her science experiment. We were very pleased to find Growquest, as the lady bugs are not available locally during this time of year. We could not have received any better customer service. Thanks.
We contacted Growquest Growers on the internet and submitted an order for 2 olive trees, one which is hard to acquire. Chris Gillcrest had the trees we wanted in stock, so we purchased them from him; He personally delivered the trees when he said he would and they arrived in very good condition. The olive tree expert in Napa Valley, whom we know personally, saw the trees and said they were of exceptional quality and size for the price we paid. We are so pleased that Chris could provide these large size olive trees for our eating enjoyement (after they're cured, of course).
We ordered two 60" tree roses (Renae and Flowwer Girl) as well as two Yves Piagets and one Ruffles. Chris personally delivered all roses the next day. Very pleased with the quality of the roses and thank Chris for his direct delivery. Will order more roses from Growquest in the future.
I am fighting cancer and my husband is building me a greenhouse. I ordered an avocado tree from Growquest, after Chris there patiently answered many of my questions over the phone and through email. He was extremely kind, funny, and helpful. Even after I called him the third time, lol. I finally selected the kind and size tree I wanted, and he sent it to me extremely fast before I even paid for it.
I received it in the most extraodinary packaging I have ever seen. NEVER in all the years I have ordered plants or trees for our homes have I ever gotten such a large, healthy and thriving specimen as this. It even had an avocado nearly ripe on the tree! I was so happy with it.
I have to say, many times I have paid in advance with many places and get slow, tiny sickly looking plants that don't always thrive. I did recently from another grower and mentioned it to Chris and now he sending me a banana plant because the tiny ones I got from another grower were broken and sick when they came. I will come back and leave feedback about my banana plant from grow quest when it arrives too.
I have now read some of these posts that are negative, and am amazed. I wonder if it can be true. Chris has been polite, helpful and kept his word about my tree, and sent it before payment. I am a cops kid that finds it hard to trust people, and can honestly say I will give Chris my business again and will recommend him to my friends. He has treated me fairly and gave GREAT customer service. I recommend this company. How can you go wrong when you get to see your plant in your hands before y ou pay?
I have ordered 2 standard size Yuzu tree. Yuzu is used for variety of Japanese cuisine. I was searching for long time at nursery. But finally found here.
The yuzu tree is famous for taking long time to have fruit. But the tree I've received is had fruit already!
Many Japanese friend get surprised I have yuzu tree. Now I recommend all friends here.
The Diana Fig Tree I ordered from Growquest in memory of my sister was delivered by Chris to my mother's home. The tree was exactly as I wanted, healthy, green and fruiting. The large pot and special herbs planted at the base of the tree are really nice and healthy.
My mother is delighted with the size of the large, round, soft figs and the excellent luscious, sweet flavor! I am enjoying the figs too. I especially liked the way Chris planted the herbs all around the base of the fig tree; I have never seen that done before...very creative and resourceful! Thank you Chris.
Chris was courteous to us. His service was good.
I will order from Growquest in the future.
On Oct 7, 2009, GrowUpGreen Mcminnville, OR wrote:
I ordered a variety of plants from Chris(Growquest). There was a minor mix-up at the beginning and he said he would make up for it. Once that was squared away I was anxiously awaiting their arrival. When they arrived I was pleased to find an extra 3 blueberry plants with my order! When I had ordered I needed the plants before I went on my summer vacation and Chris said he would get them up to me ASAP. He not only got them here in record time, he actually shipped them BEFORE I had paid for them. I was quite shocked to have a driver call with my delivery when I wasn't even expecting them yet! Which worked out really well, I got them a week before I thought I would. And like I said he threw in the blueberry plants because he said he was going to drive the order up himself, because he got swamped with orders. That's too bad because I wanted to meet him in person, maybe next time Chris?
Anyway, I live about 900 miles North of him. All of my plants, and trees arrived in great condition, especially the lime tree. It had more blossoms on it than you could imagine, and the local bees made a new friend, and the fragrance that came from it was wonderful. I will have to get another one just like it. The lemon tree was already full of fruit. So was the orange tree. I was also pleasantly surprised when I saw that he sent the next size up container of avocado trees. When I spoke to him about this I thought it was a mistake, but he said it didn't cost anymore to fill up the pallet, and wanted to make up for the glitch. Well, he more than made up for it, he stuffed the pallet to the maximum weight and sent it my way.
He went above and beyond what most people will do anymore. I was very pleased with my shipment, and I will be ordering from Chris again. It has been a very long time since I had service like this. Kudos to Chris and all his hard work. I truly thank you! And so does everybody that has sampled my tasty fruit. And I got a fantastic deal!
In July I ordered two citrus trees and two avacodo trees. The two citrus were shipped rapidly and arrived in perfect condition. The packing was extrememly well done and commendable. One of the trees already had fruit on it. the trees bore no idnetification as to which was which. Mr. Gilcrest had replied to my question about the avocado trees was they were not ready for shipping but would be sent soon. I contact Mr. Gilcrest several times. Some times he responded sometimes he did not. One time he did report that it was too hot to ship them and southern California was experiencing massive fires which make it a time which was not good for shipping. In the middle of September, he notiifed me that they would be shipped. The trees arrived sooner than expected. One was in perffect conditon the other had suffered and has lost most of its leaves but seems to be recovering.
I feel the trees shipped were of high quality and there were reasons to not ship earlier and all together in one shippment.
Mr. Gilcrest is very concerned about this feed back to Garden Watchdog. He has pressed me to write this. It is noted he has some bad feedback and good comments are needed. Over all my assocition with him has been good.
Bill .
On Oct 1, 2009, Growquest Growers (also dba Olive-Trees.net and Surf & Sierra Wholesale Nurseries, LLC) responded with:
"On Sep 30, 2009 10:38 PM, Growquest Growers (also dba Olive-Trees.net and Surf & Sierra Wholesale Nurseries, LLC) responded with:
It is true that I requested Bill to post his comment. Bill once sent me an email from the GD so he was familar with the manure on here. He had given me a very nice compliment after each of the shipments
"Chris, I have to admit I was concerned because it had been a long time, but I do not know what the garden watchdog is. Please explain and I will be glad to comment."
"Chris, this morning two of the trees arrived. You must be complemented upon
how well they were packed. Currently we are experiencing what appears to be
a long steady rain. Both of the trees are out in the rain getting a
refreshing shower from nature. Since I am totally unfamiliar with both lemon
and lime trees, I can not identify which is which. One came in a larger
bucket than the other. The one in the larger bucket already had fruit on
it. The other was in a smaller bucket and was in bloom."
Nearly all of my shipped orders arrive like Bill's and then when good people are asked to come here and postings like the trash that is allowed here, they decide not to post a positive."
I had never heard of using ladybugs for Aphid control until I got in contact with Chris at Growquest. Although the first order was very confusing, I've since worked out a payment plan with Chris that works for me. For some reason, Chris has not integrated his shipping charge with his product charge, resulting in two separate transactions per order. One credit card charge for shipping, and for the second (product) fee, I sent a check.
This confused me at first, but then started to make sense as online commerce back end programming and maintenance is expensive and risky for a non IT professional. As a small business owner myself, I understand this decision perfectly.
I have used Chris for almost a year now every time I get a nasty Aphid attack... (I think my neighbor is somehow responsible). One bag of ladybugs and, wham the aphids are gone. And, I have no idea how the bugs stay alive in transit - but they do.
Bottom line - I love working with Chris. And in my mind, farmers are the last people I should be critiquing for their lack of computer skills. Because I simply wouldn't have the backyard I want without GrowQuest.
I have a feeling that some of the complaints may stem from the complicated billing, but I'll take the complicated billing any day for GrowQuest's extremely reasonable prices and insightful guidance.
I ordered the 72,000 ladybugs for some pecan orchards in NM. I did the first of the ordering over the Web, but later the Web page went down for a day or so. I e-mailed Chris, told him about the Web site, got great responses, got his phone number and talked to him, and we worked things out. He updated his Web site and it is back up now as Growquest. I got my order when he said I would, and he is sending extra ladybugs because the person who wanted them and would share, hasn't-not Chris' problem-I have some "interesting" neighbors. I have had a great experience with him!
We just received two three gallon ground covering Rose plants and two five gallon orange Day Lily plants. All the plants were covered with blooms and buds and arrived in healthy condition and in a timely manner from the date of order. Hopefully this company has finshed their reorganization and is on firm footing now. We were happy with our dealings with them.
I have been looking for a particular olive tree variety for several years. This was the ONLY place that had them in SoCal. And they had quite a few varieties I had not seen available elsewhere, and in good sizes. I'm very pleased with the tree. They also had a lot of citrus varieties, and I may check back when I finally decide.
It has been a long search for an Arbequina tree but Olive-tree/Chris had one. This nursery has many varieties of FRUITING olive trees and a good selection of citrus too.
It was a good experience.
My dealings with Chris have been very pleasant. I wanted to order 10 olive trees, and I found Chris' website with his phone. I called, and he answered. I ordered, he sent Google checkout info, and I paid via credit card. I would have expected my plants to be shipped right away, but there was a delay. I called, and Chris again answered the phone, and told me of the problem, (the plants were in a different nursery and he had to go and pick them up). I could understand that. After a week or so, the first two arrived. I was told they would be labeled as to the type and I would be given a tracking number for the order (not done), so I called Chris, and again he cleared up the matter on the phone. Also one of the two plants was bushy, and I mentioned to Chris. He told me he would go to shipping, and be sure the other 8 plants had trunks.After a week I had not received the other plants, so I called, and again, Chris picked up the phone and told me the plants had been shipped, and I would be given the tracking number, which I was. So they are here, AND THEY ARE GORGEOUS. I paid $45.00/plant, for a total order with shipping of $590.00, and I think I got a great deal. Oh, and by the way, while planting the second batch, we had had a cold snap and one of the first two looked a little shocked, so I called Chris, and he again picked up the phone, and gave me good advice. I could tell he really understands olive trees. So my feeling is that while Chris may have had problems, and I do feel for those that were not happy before, I think Chris is hard working, well intentioned and a good person. I agree with one of the comments in regards to Chris trying to do it all - it would seem to me that he would do better to seek to organize, and delegate more. But I was left with a very positive feeling about him. I am making this posting, as I told him, to try to help him. He knows his business. He loves plants. I believe he understands there has been problems, and he is doing his level best to turn things around. Go for it, Chris. I know you can. Let me know if I can help. John Hugill
I ordered a small Meyer's Lemon tree and in about 3 weeks (CA to IN shipping) received a short, kind of bushy critter that is healthy and blooming. It was well packaged and arrived undamaged. I had hoped for one with a nice habit but the one I got was totally one sided. The trunk is literally against one side of the pot and all of branches and leaves are on the other side. Still, it will fit against an interior wall nicely during cold weather and I have no doubt that it will produce well provided I pollinate the flowers diligently. It was the least expensive (by a few $$) I found after much searching. I am reasonably happy considering all of the negative feedback that has been posted. Mr. Gilcrest may be cleaning up his act or perhaps I just got lucky.
On 8/14/2008 I order orange and lemon trees for $665.74. 30 day later I was calling threatening to cancel me order, thank goodness for American Express, and they shipped one of the trees. 1 ONE yes ONE tree arrived via collect freight abt $200.00. When we removed out ot the crate it looked wonderful. Within 2-3 days it lost 1/2 its leaves. Now a couple of weeks later it has leaf buds all over the tree so it is a healthy tree and it will survive. I wish I could get the other trees but after reading this I have called American Express and got the charges reversed.
On September 20th, 2008, TriciaSapp changed the rating from negative to neutral and added the following:
Spoke with Chris today at 805 453 1538 (personal cell phone number) and he said my trees will ship monday. The trouble is HIS TREES ARE GREAT. I really want to get my other trees. The one he shipped is so beautiful and so healthy.
Oh and the idea that because someone is going though a hard time they can use that as an excuse...Sweeties visit my myspace page http://www.myspace.com/triciasapp. I am a spinal cord injury who after my injury lost my husband, my home was forclosed on, and I even lost my car. I raised 3 children. Even though I am in a wheelchair I raised my kids, went back to work, competed in wheelchair events, made new friends and see the positive things in life so No I don't accept the excuse. Business is business and keeping customers informed in just good ethics.On September 25th, 2008, TriciaSapp changed the rating from neutral to positive and added the following:
Woohoo I got my tree! They are healthy and as stated. Big question, will I deal with Chris again...I would have to say yes. He did get the order straightened out and they are the best trees I have ever seen.
As a builder and new to California I found the need to procure olive trees. As I searched the web I found Growquest. I e-mailed them trying to figure out if it was a good company or not. The next day Chris Gilcrest called me and said, I'll be in the area next week and wanted to stop by and see what I had to work with. When Chris showed up He was a no nonsence guy, he said as a matter of fact voice. This is what you need!! We gave him a check for a down payment and was to get the trees in two weeks, Well 2 weeks went to 4 weeks all the time Chris keeping in touch with me. The problem Rain and,lots of it! Finally the rain stopped and Chris dug out the Mature trees from the farm. But now he didn't deliver the size of trees we paid for. THEY WERE MUCH LARGER AND NICER. Chris said because of the wait he tried to compensate me for the time we lost. Chris also brought the trees down himself rented a small boom 4 wheeler and planted for me. and yes, I did help him! So all the bad reviews that I read I don't know what to think, except one thing I won't order from anyone else and Chris is always welcome in my home. 8045 Mulholland Drive Los Angeles
After reading the reports here, I was very concerned that the Meyer lemon I'd ordered was never going to show and that I'd lost my money. There were no replies to my messages and e-mails, which set off my alarm bells...
That said, we've been having very high temps here in Texas. It clearly says on the website that they'll hold off shipping until the weather cools enough to allow the plants to arrive unharmed. If they'd sent the tree when I asked, it would have died. I am very grateful they are waiting to ship, now that I've been reminded of the heat issue.
This is a legitimate company, not a scam. I think customer service might need improvement, but even so, the woman I spoke to just now was very helpful and managed to reassure me.
I'll add to this note once my lemon tree arrives, but for now my review is positive. If I need something from their inventory in the future, I'll probably call to check on availability and shipping issues.
Looked everywhere for a Polka climbing rose. Couldn't find anywhere but Growquest. Bought from them before seeing these reviews. I would not have bought had I seen these beforehand. In the end, though, we are happy.
Ordered on 4/15. Emailed them asking for cost of a potted rose since the order stated they were no longer shipping bareroot. Took them a while to respond, but they finally gave me a price on 4/24. Purchased on 4/27 via PayPal with AmEx. They gave no confirmation of the payment. Emailed on 5/5 requesting shipping status. They responded on 5/8 that the item would ship the next day and it did. They sent me a tracking number (but didn't note which shipper they used!) on 5/12. Plant arrived 5/16 and was well packed and in good condition.
I doubt we'd buy from them again giving all of the negative reviews herein, but they certainly fulfilled our order without any real issues.
I ordered 5 fruit trees from growquest on March 7, 2008; a few days before I saw this page. After reading the comments I worried, but decided to just continue the purchase with my normal expectations. I contacted the office and they told me they were working on delivery schedules. Chris called me on Saturday and said he would deliver on Monday or Tuesday late afternoon. When I didn't receive the trees I called him on Wednesday. He explained that he was a little behind and appologized. He said he would deliver my trees on Thursday. He arrived on Thursday evening with the trees, all in 15 gal. containers, big trees with blooms, flowers or fruit (the lemon and orange). It was 13 days from the day I ordered my trees to the Day that Chris delivered them. I think that is very resonable for home delivery of the trees.
I've made three orders from Growquest in the last four months. The first order arrived within one day of my receiving the email conformation. The plants were very healthy and bloomed within six weeks as his website stated. I did however have one tree rose to die. I called Chris and informed him of this. I expected to get some kind of run around about this. I had only had them three weeks. Didn't happen! He stated that he did not have that particular rose in stock but he was willing to replace it with a comparable one at on cost to me. He left me in shock. Three days later I received a 36" tree rose that had several blooms on it right out of the box. To say that I was pleased is an understatement.
I again ordered more roses in late June, to arrive just before the forth of July. I received part of the order. Chris called the day before the fourth to inform me of what had happen. He stated that he had sent the part of the order that I had received from another location where he stores plants. His staff was to send the remainder of my order from the home location. He was three hundred miles away in Anaheim. He was very upset about this and very apologetic.
I just placed another order to arrive in mid Aug. Chris call me to let me know that he was in the meddle of re-organizing and replacing some staff. But my order will be filled and sent on time. I have nothing but good things to say about him and his business ethic. Any future plants needs that I may have, he will get my order.
On Jun 12, 2007, SurferLowell Half Moon Bay, CA (Zone 9b) wrote:
I ordered two citrus trees from GrowQuest, including a hard-to-find Clementine Mandarin, to grow near the northern California coast. I know it may be hard to grow citrus in redwood country, but I spoke to the GrowQuest horticuluralist first, and he helped me choose the right trees for our climate.
I had some problems with the first trees I received and, instead of getting the ecommerce run-a-round that's all too common, Chris Gilcrest personally answered the phone and said he would correct the problem right away.
Well, if actions speak louder than words, than his actions were like rock concert loud! Within 48 hours following the call with Chris, I received two very healthy, vigorous trees with thick trunks for their size and full canopies! It blew me away that he responded so quickly and so completely. I know some eBay-based nurseries that sure could use some lessons in customer service from Chris and GrowQuest. Wow!
While I had some issues with my first delivery from GrowQuest, the horticuluralist service they offered before I bought and the service I received after I bought were both absolutely great. The owner was willing to immediately take action and solve a problem without argument or questioning. I will absolutely buy again from GrowQuest and, compared to other experiences buying plants on the web, GrowQuest rocked!
From my new southern exposure, semi-dwarf citrus orchard here in Half Moon Bay, CA.
On Jun 3, 2007, karenannen Cumberland Furnace, TN wrote:
I recently placed an order with GrowQuest; I will post a review on that order soon.
For now, I want to post their phone number.
It is 1-559-553-0524.
On June 9th, 2007, karenannen changed the rating from neutral to positive and added the following:
I ordered 2 rose bushes from them in April.
The first one arrived about 2 weeks later, but they notified me that the other one was on back order.
That's when I came here and looked them up in the Watchdog.
After reading the posts, I figured I'd never get the other rose bush or a refund.
So I was shocked when it arrived a few days ago.
I want to add that their office personnel are not professional, however. Each time I called to inquire about my order, the girl I was talking to would talk to other people in the office at the same time, leaving me feeling ignored.
The rose bushes arrived in good condition. However, this will be my only order with this company.
I have ordered so many times from ParkSeed.com, and always had top quality plants and service from them.
I ordered a Trachycarpus Wangerianus from Grow Quest.
There are three things I will not take away from Chris.
1. They are the only one that I know who ship larger size trees with experience at lower cost.
2. The size and quality of the plant matches what they advertised.
3. Althought the other negative ratings concerned me and the shipping did tak longer than I expected. I still able to see the effort that Chris made.
Since I love the plant so much the amout of researches I made made me became an expert on this plant. Unlike some other people playing expert, Chris was not afraid to admit he was confused this Wagner Palm with Takil. He did his own researches and cleared out the confusion and sent me the correct authentic Wagner palm.
I will still order from Chris for the next season.
these guys are the best,i owned them cash,i didnt understand the pay method,they sent me another order after that.keep up the faith!america is still alive.customer for life,kurt.
My experience with Growquest was wonderful. I needed some very large olive trees and I needed them quickly. After seeing them at the Visalia, CA home show, I knew I wanted them. Chris kindly set up a delivery within a few days, they were delivered and I love them. After my experience with Chris and Growquest I would recommend this company to anyone.
On Nov 23, 2006, SherryLike SE Arky United States (Zone 8a) wrote:
I received a big box full of beautiful, healthy, well rootedl roses from Growquest yesterday, Nov 23, 2006. They were ordered on the 21st & arrived on the 23rd, I am a very happy camper. The cost was considerably less than I expected. The owner, Chris, advised me before I settled on my order, that he was written up in the Plant Watchdog and, in view of what was written, that he would fully understand if I'd rather not do business with Growquest. He had the roses I wanted and he would ship, and the majority of other growers will not ship until 'spring'. 'Fall is for planting' here and waiting until spring would means months of extra care, without blooms. So, I decided to give Growquest a chance. I hit the jackpot and will order again, just as soon as I decide what I want. I hope this might be a turning point for Growquest & I wish them the best. Sherry Gibson
After failing to get any local nursery to order citrus trees, and because Growquest was the only place I could find which sold full size trees, I ordered two orange trees from the website. After a day I got an email informing me of the total cost, including shipping and payment options. I paid by PayPal. After a few days I called customer service to check on the delivery schedule. I was told that shipping would be delayed until the weather in California was cooler. About two week later I have two healthy orange trees in my greenhouse. No problems.
On Jun 15, 2006, kudzu9 Seattle area, WA (Zone 8b) wrote:
I placed an order for a large quantity of ladybugs (36,000) ladybugs from this company because their web site had good info, the price was good, and a neighbor reported good experiences ordering from them in the past. I didn't check GardenWatchdog first, as I usually do; however, after I placed the order, I happened to check the postings and saw all this messy history. If I had seen this first, I probably would have ordered elsewhere. However, I'm not sorry: the ladybugs arrived just fine, and quite quickly. I didn't try to count them all, but I've never seen so many bugs in one place as in the shipping bag, and I'm certain I got my money's worth. The only surprise was that the shipping cost somewhat more than I expected because they send them Overnight Express instead of Ground due to the time of year (heat) and the need to keep the ladybugs healthy. Since this was not done for extra profit, I was ok with it. In addition, although they take your credit card info when you order, they actually only use it for verification and don't charge it; you pay after the order has arrived.
I think the owner is trying to restore the reputation of his company and I have no concerns about posting a positive review.
I ordered 1500 ladybugs about 14 days ago; didn't get any confirmation that the order was successful and thought that the company wasn’t up to scratch. Today, however, I received the bugs and they were in excellent shape – unlike the ladybugs that I had orders in previous years from other companies.
Payment is a bit cumbersome – but hey, the aphids are being eaten alive, as I’m writing this.
On Apr 24, 2006, rancor1 Montgomery Village, MD wrote:
I ordered from Growquest without knowing anything of the the "history" that the other comments refer to. I ordered 2 potted leonidas roses for my wife. I paid through Paypal and my plants shipped in a reasonably quickly. They were well packed - alive and seem to be in great shape. Growquest responded quickly to my emails and helped me fix a problem I had with paypal (I paid using a closed account the first time and they very quickly returned that payment.). So - all in all I had a very positive experience with none of the drama other folks seem to have experienced. I'd buy from them again.
On Mar 21, 2006, USCstudent Los Angeles, CA wrote:
Reading through the negative comments left by others, I regret the impersonal and insensitive nature posting on an internet message board provides. We have all had negative experiences with a particular business from time to time, its just a fact of life. But your frustration, your lack of patience and understanding, is not validation enough to immediately jump to slandering a person's name or publicly commenting on his personal affairs. I think we all need to take a moment to chill out and acknowledge that Chris Gilcrest is just a man, he's capable of making mistakes, and he is also doing his best to make things right. Yes, you have a right to be frustrated about the order delays and credit card jumbles, but you must also understand that he has to be having a heck of a more frustrating and painful time trying to make all this right in light of everything else that's been going on in his life (which we are all now much more aware of then we need be, and -unless youre a heartless [profanity removed by the Dave's Garden administrators] wouldn't wish upon anyone).
My experience with Growquest this past weekend was quite a positive one. I was in search of 100,000 ladybugs and the only place I could find online that was both affordable and could verify having such a large amount this time of season was Growquest. Yet the website's online ordering had been shut-off and I could not make the transaction or even the order (at the time I did not know about all the events and issues this message board reveals). Because I desperately needed the ladybugs and Growquest was also the closest provider to my area, I decided to take the chance and drive out to the nursery to make my purchase in person. Meeting him face to face, I found Chris to be a passionate -though troubled- horticulturalist, just trying to get his business back up and running. Besides just packaging up my ladybugs and sending me on my way, Chris spent a good part of an hour showing my friends and myself around his nursery, educating us on ladybugs, sharing hiking trails, and even inviting us to go harvesting with him later in the season. Chris is a good and honest man (if he was really a 'fraud,' why would he still be hanging around these sites trying to complete the orders from the old company out of his own wallet?), and the picture of him painted on this site hardly seems true once you have met him in person. He cares deeply about his business and what people think of it. I ask that you all calm down a bit, give him the dignity of a little more patience as he gets things back in order, and the benefit of a second chance.
I looked into ordering a large (36") box olive tree back in August. I spoke to Chris personally to place the order. A few days later, I received notification the order had been cancelled. I called and left a message. I was out of town when Chris called back to explain what was going on. Once we touched base, he explained what had happened and what would be required to get the order going. Once the tree arrived, it was everything I had hoped for.
I don't know that I would be able to even keep my head during that period, let alone try keep a business going too. I did not experience any lack of courtesy during the delay, and got an honest explanation of what was going on. I also recieved regular updates when necessary from Chris. What I saw was someone trying to keep it all going during an extremently difficult situation, and managing to be nice about it, and still meeting his customer's need.
On Oct 31, 2005, Growquest Growers (also dba Olive-Trees.net and Surf & Sierra Wholesale Nurseries, LLC) responded with:
"
On Jan 1, 2006 9:37 AM, Growquest added:
This was not just any olive tree. It was a Majestic Beauty 36" boxed olive that really was ready for a 60" box. It was sold for $525.00 but was worth more around $950.00. This plant was huge. It took more than 16 hours to build a crate nearly 5 feet wide and 5 feet tall and 14 feet long ( we had to care fold back the branches), pack the root ball in about 50 pounds of ice, spray the whole thing with Anti Stress 550 several times and then pray that the heat between here and the new home Nashville Tenn, did not dry it out.
For sure a lot of mistakes happened during the last 12 months, and things got really lame from April through early August, (and a simple email will get them fixed) but that was still a small percentage of the orders that we had in our system.
If you have a special plant need and your are not going to act like a jerk when you find out the cost of labor, lumber, packing materials and shipping, I will and can get it done for you, as I have for many people like John.
On Aug 12, 2005, prestonwright Saint Paul, MN (Zone 4a) wrote:
I don't usually post experiences from buying on the Web, but I felt obligated in this instance. The postings on this board so far are just extreme examples of people who lack patience, who don't read, and who threaten sueing or using their VISA to get money back without realizing how immature they are being.
I am in Minnesota. I ordered a Feijoa tree on June 13. On June 19 it arrived -- faster than I thought it would. The tree was absolutely beautiful. They charged me a few days after it arrived for the shipping at $27.00. It says on their web site that they will charge for shipping afterwards because there is no way to tell what this price would be before hand. It also says that they charge $28 per hour if they have to build a special box for it. This is quite understandable. Who wants a damaged plant? But the people who posted here about "faudulent charges" don't know how to read. They think that a specially constructed box with wooden protection inserts is supposed to be cheap? There are a lot of plant companies on the Web, and I have received packages from several, but they have never been as expertly crafted and contained such high quality as with growquest--the same quality they promise on their Web site.
I quickly ordered to passifloras from Growquest as I am very confident in this company. I check the Web site frequently and they update at least every monday telling the status of particular plants. I have yet to receive my passifloras, but it says on the Web site
"7-24-05 through 8-10-05 Plant shipping will is still on hold for most portions of the Country. It is simply too HOT! A cooling trend is starting to be seen after the 10th."
They have said this repeatedly since the beginning of July. I have no sympathy for people who don't bother to think that growquest isn't going to send out product to be killed in the heat. Waiting 20 days then contacting VISA to deal with the matter is inexcusable.
It also explains on their Web site the problem they have had with their internet phone system.
Lastly it says on their Web site:
"Cancellation or request of refund of an order must be submitted to us 14 days prior to requesting a refund from your credit card provider."
Apparently, no one reads and decides that it is better to stiff it to the vendor. It costs the vendor every time you do this and obviously does not help the situation.
You all need to learn how to order over the Web, or stay off and buy from your local nursery. You are ruining the reputation of a quality company with your ignorance, impatience, and over zealous tempers. This is a specialty nursery. It is a mom and pop place. This is not Walmart.
On Jun 17, 2005, 4x4gardener Rancho Cucamonga, CA wrote:
I have reviewed the chains and see that many are upset with this company due to service issues. I was displeased to see some had called Chris a crook. I am a sales manager and a supplier of Growquest, and know this man well enough to know that he is not a crook. I also have spoken to Chris and listened to his concerns of finding competent help in a busy spring, one man cannot do it all. This is not an excuse for poor service, but some kind words for a man who has some big challenges ahead of him. His family sponsors soldiers in Iraq, and that is not something a crook would do. I believe this is an issue of a business with growing pains, and definitely no pun intended.
Shocked to see so many negatives and neutrals here. I had a very pleasant experience with this company and wouldn't hesitate to buy again. My email was returned promptly by the owner himself and the product was delivered quickly.
